Suspect Retrospect

Welcome to 2003. Let's hope that we learn from our past mistakes, shall we? 2002 was a good year. By many standards, a great year. But a year is usually measured more by it's end than it's beginning because it is still fresh in everyone's minds.

Brian has hit on all the major events of 2002, wonderfully. He has analyzed the early part of the year, put it in contrast with the last part of the year, and for the most part -- I agree with him. So, I shall let his opus stand as the definitive rundown of the last year.

However, I would not, could not, and should not let 2002 pass without my extra 2 cents. So here are some reflections from me:

FOX has issues, but it's not their problem. This is a realization which has been percolating in the back of my mind, and has recently come to the surface. It doesn't matter if Joss has friends or fans in the hierarchy at 20th Century Fox. The simple fact is that no matter what happens next, FOX is secured. If FIREFLY is picked up by another network, 20th Century Fox can still produce the show and make money from it. If not, I'm sure they'll find some other place to get their money. And DVD sales still go to FOX, so they're not going to lose in the long run. What they lose, instead of money, is more important. It's the currency that comes from fostering a relationship with a niche audience that can be potentially VERY profitable. Historical evidence bears this out. STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION had (for the most part) a HORRIBLE and terribly derivative first season. The X-FILES was bad for it's first bunch of episodes, not knowing exactly where it would be going. Don't even get me started on THE SIMPSONS' first season. And compared to the greatness it would become, BUFFY's first few episodes were a bit on the weird side. Now let me qualify that. BUFFY's first season had everything that FIREFLY'S first season had. Only when Buffy did it, it was new and different. My point, convoluted that it may be, is this. There was nothing wrong with FIREFLY that being on another network couldn't fix. But, most importantly, there was nothing wrong with FIREFLY that another season couldn't have fixed, INCLUDING ratings.

Storylines and personal opinions aside, I have read a few Top 10 lists online this year for television shows, most from reputable publications. I find it interesting to note that BUFFY appears on most of them. Sometimes ANGEL joins it. I think that's really great and it's a long time coming. I only wish it had happened during one of the better seasons for each.

All in all, 2002 was OK. Strikes and gutters all around. Let me echo Brian's hope that FIREFLY gets picked up by UPN. If that happens, I think we can have a good New Year all around. Especially if the rumors are true and the Animated Buffy lives again!!!!!

  posted by J @ 13:43